Mechanisms underlying the activation of large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels by nordihydroguaiaretic acid

The mechanisms underlying the activation of large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) were examined in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells, where BK channel alpha (BKalpha) or a plus beta1 subunit (BKalphabeta1) was heterologously expressed, and also in freshly isolated porcine coronary arterial smooth muscle cells (PCASMCs). The activity of both BKalpha and BKalphabeta1 channels was increased by 10 microM NDGA in similar manners, indicating the selective action on the a subunit to increase Ca2+ sensitivity. The application of NDGA to PCASMCs induced outward current and hyperpolarization under voltage and current clamp, respectively, in a concentration-dependent manner (> or = 3 microM). These effects were blocked by 100 nM iberiotoxin. Electrical events induced by NDGA (> or = 10 microM) were, unexpectedly, associated with the increase in [Ca2+]i. After the treatment with caffeine and ryanodine, the [Ca2+]i increase by NDGA was markedly reduced and the hyperpolarization by NDGA was attenuated. The Ca2+ release by 10 microM NDGA was preceded by membrane depolarization of mitochondria. These results indicate that BK channel opening by NDGA in PCASMCs is due to the direct action on a subunit and also to Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum, presumably via, at least in part, the inhibition of mitochondria respiration.     

Effect of membrane hyperpolarization induced by a K+ channel opener on histamine-induced Ca2+ mobilization in rabbit arterial smooth muscle.

1. The role of membrane hyperpolarization on agonist-induced contraction was investigated in intact and alpha-toxin-skinned smooth muscles of rabbit mesenteric artery by use of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener, (-)-(3S,4R)-4-(N-acetyl-N-hydroxyamino)-6-cyano-3,4-dihydro-2,2- dimethyl-2H-1-benzopyran-3-ol (Y-26763), and either histamine (Hist) or noradrenaline (NA). 2. Hist (3 microM) and NA (10 microM) both produced a phasic, followed by a tonic increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and force. Y-26763 (10 microM) potently inhibited the NA-induced phasic and tonic increase in [Ca2+]i and force. In contrast, Y-26763 attenuated the Hist-induced phasic increase in [Ca2+]i and force but had almost no effect on the tonic response. However, ryanodine-treatment of muscles in order to inhibit the function of intracellular Ca2+ storage sites altered the action of Y-26763 which now attenuated the Hist-induced tonic increase in [Ca2+]i and force in a concentration-dependent manner (at concentrations > 1 microM). Glibenclamide (10 microM) attenuated the inhibitory action of Y-26763. 3. Hist (3 microM) depolarized the smooth muscle cells to the same extent as NA (10 microM). In the absence of either agonist, Y-26763 (over 30 nM) hyperpolarized the membrane and glibenclamide inhibited this hyperpolarization. Y-26763 (10 microM) almost abolished the NA-induced membrane depolarization, but only slightly attenuated the Hist-induced membrane depolarization in which the delta (delta) value (the difference before and after application of Hist) was not modified by any concentration of Y-26763. In ryanodine-treated smooth muscle cells, Y-26763 hyperpolarized the membrane and potently inhibited the membrane depolarization induced by Hist. 4. In ryanodine-treated muscle, Y-26763 had no measurable effect on the Hist-induced [Ca2+]i-force relationship. Y-26763 also had no apparent effect on the myofilament Ca(2+)-sensitivity in the presence of Hist in alpha-toxin-skinned smooth muscles. 5. It is concluded that the membrane hyperpolarization induced by Y-26763 may not be enough to inhibit the Hist-activated Ca2+ influx. It is also suggested that Hist prevents the membrane hyperpolarization induced by Y-26763, activating an unknown mechanism which is thought to depend on the function of intracellular Ca2+ storage sites.     

Imaging of Ca2+ release by caffeine and 9-methyl-7-bromoeudistomin D and the associated activation of large conductance Ca2+-dependent K+ channels in urinary bladder smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig

Ca2+ release by caffeine and 9-methyl-7-bromoeudistomin D (MBED) and the concomitant activation of large conductance Ca2+-dependent K+ (BK) channels were analyzed using confocal Ca2+ imaging and whole cell voltage-clamp methods in guinea pig urinary bladder smooth muscle cells. Puff application of 3 or 10 mM caffeine for several seconds (2 - 5 s) elicited a large increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and induced a phasic outward current at a holding potential of -40 mV. The phasic outward current was the summation of spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) due to marked activation of BK channels and was followed by a short cessation of STOCs. Although the increase in superficial [Ca2+]i by caffeine was faster than that in global [Ca2+]i, the peak [Ca2+]i was identical in these areas. Puff application of 100 microM MBED also markedly enhanced STOCs for a few seconds. This response to MBED was not observed when stored Ca2+ was depleted by caffeine. The increase in [Ca2+]i by MBED occurred mainly in superficial areas. Longer application of 100 microM MBED for 2 min did not induce significant global [Ca2+]i increase but decreased the amount of Ca2+ release and cell shortening during the subsequent application of 10 mM caffeine. These results indicate that short application of MBED releases Ca2+ preferentially from superficial storage sites, presumably due to its slow approach to deeper sites. MBED may be a good pharmacological tool to manipulate selectively the superficial Ca2+ stores related to STOCs.     

Modulation by homocysteine of the iberiotoxin-sensitive, Ca2+ -activated K+ channels of porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells

We evaluated the acute effect of homocysteine on the iberiotoxin-sensitive, Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels of the porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells. NS 1619 (1 to 30 microM) caused a concentration-dependent enhancement of the BK(Ca) amplitude (recorded using the whole-cell, membrane-rupture configuration) only with an elevated [Ca(2+)](i) of approximately 444 nM, but not with [Ca(2+)](i) of approximately 100 nM. Homocysteine (30 microM) caused a small inhibition ( approximately 16%) of the BK(Ca) amplitude ([Ca(2+)](i)= approximately 444 nM), and a greater inhibition ( approximately 77%) was observed with 100 microM NADH present in the pipette solution. The inhibition persisted after washing. With NADPH (100 microM), a smaller magnitude of inhibition ( approximately 34%) of the BK(Ca) amplitude was recorded. The NS 1619-mediated enhancement of the BK(Ca) amplitude (with elevated [Ca(2+)](i) plus NADH in the pipette) was attenuated by homocysteine. The homocysteine-mediated inhibition of the BK(Ca) amplitude was suppressed by Tiron (10 mM) or diphenylene iodonium (30 nM), applied alone, but not by superoxide dismutase (500 U/ml) and catalase (500 U/ml). Generation of superoxide (O(2)(-)) of the smooth muscle cells (with NADH presence), measured using the lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence, was markedly increased by angiotensin II (100 nM) and homocysteine (30 microM). The chemiluminescence signal was sensitive to apocynin (300 microM) or Tiron, applied alone, but not to superoxide dismutase and catalase. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that acute homocysteine application inhibits the iberiotoxin-sensitive BK(Ca) channels (with elevated [Ca(2+)](i) and NADH present) which is probably caused by the NADH oxidase activation and the concomitant generation of intracellular superoxide.     

Usefulness and limitation of DiBAC4(3), a voltage-sensitive fluorescent dye, for the measurement of membrane potentials regulated by recombinant large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels in HEK293 cells

The usefulness of bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid)-trimethine oxonol (DiBAC4(3)), a voltage-sensitive fluorescent dye, for the measurement of membrane potentials (MPs) was evaluated in HEK293 cells, where alpha or alpha plus beta1 subunits of large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels were expressed (HEKBK alpha and HEKBK alphabeta). The fluorescent intensity of DiBAC4(3) was measured at various potentials under voltage-clamp for calibration to estimate the absolute MP semi-quantitatively. The resting MPs measured with DiBAC4(3) were roughly comparable to those recorded with a microelectrode; the MP in HEKBK alphabeta was 10-20 mV more negative than that in native HEK. In HEKBK alpha, the membrane hyperpolarization induced by 10 microM Evans blue, a BK channel opener, was detected with DiBAC4(3). NS-1619, another BK channel opener, induced gradual but substantial change in F/F(K) even in native HEK, while the BK channel opening effect was detected. Oscillatory membrane hyperpolarization was induced in HEKBK alphabeta by application of 10 microM acetylcholine via increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The oscillatory hyperpolarization was, however, detected only as a slow hyperpolarization with DiBAC4(3). It can be concluded that relatively slow effects of BK channel modulators can be semi-quantitatively measured by use of DiBAC4(3) in HEKBK, while the limited temporal resolution and possible artifacts should be taken into account.     

Mechanisms controlling caffeine-induced relaxation of coronary artery of the pig.

1. We studied the effects of caffeine on coronary artery smooth muscle of the pig by measuring changes in isometric tension, cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ( [Ca2+]i) and transmembrane potential. 2. In the absence of tone, caffeine induced a concentration-dependent transient contraction of coronary artery strips, followed by sustained relaxation. Simultaneously with the relaxation, caffeine, 25 mM, hyperpolarized the smooth muscle cells by 7.7 +/- 0.9 mV. 3. Caffeine caused a concentration-dependent relaxation of strips precontracted with 10(-5)M acetylcholine (ACH). A supramaximal relaxing concentration of 25 mM caffeine produced an additional transient increase in [Ca2+]i on the Ca2+ plateau of ACh tonic contraction, which was followed by a decrease in [Ca2+]i to a level slightly below the basal concentration. This relaxation was accompanied by a hyperpolarization of 7.3 +/- 0.9 mV. 4. KCI 120 mM (high K+) contracted the strips with a concomitant depolarization of 38.6 +/- 1.6 mV and sustained increase in [Ca2+]i. Caffeine caused a concentration-dependent relaxation of high K+-induced contraction. Caffeine, 25 mM, decreased the Ca2+ plateau to a level that remained above the basal concentration of Ca2+ but did not change the membrane potential. 5. When strips were placed in a Ca(2+)-free medium with EGTA 2mM, and, in addition, ACh was applied successively three times, both intracellular and extracellular mobilizable Ca2+ pools were depleted. In these conditions, phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate (PDBu) 10(-7) M and prostaglandin F 2 alpha (PGF 2 alpha) 10(-5) M contracted the strips. Caffeine (25 mM) inhibited these contractions with no change in [Ca2+]i.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Vasorelaxation and inhibition of the voltage-operated Ca2+ channels by FK506 in the porcine coronary artery

Using fura-2 fluorometry, the effects of FK506, an immunosuppressant, on changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and tension were investigated in porcine coronary arterial strips. The effects of FK506 on the activity of voltage-operated Ca2+ channels were examined by applying a whole cell patch clamp to the isolated smooth muscle cells of porcine coronary artery. FK506 inhibited the sustained increases in both [Ca2+]i and tension induced by 118 mM K+ depolarization and 100 nM U46619 in a concentration-dependent manner (1-30 microM). The extent of inhibition of the K+-induced contraction was greater than that of the U46619-induced contraction. The increases in [Ca2+]i and tension induced by histamine and endothelin- in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ were also inhibited by 10 microM FK506. FK506 (10 microM) had no effect on Ca2+ release induced by caffeine or by histamine in the Ca2+-free solution. FK506 (10 microM) had no effect on the [Ca2+]i-tension relationships of the contractions induced by cumulative increases of extracellular Ca2+ during K+ depolarization or stimulation with U46619. In the patch clamp experiments, FK506 (30 microM) partially inhibited the inward current induced by depolarization pulse from -80 mV to 0 mV. In conclusion, FK506 induces arterial relaxation by decreasing [Ca2+]i mainly due to the inhibition of the L-type Ca2+ channels, with no effect on the Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile apparatus.     

Effects of the BKCa channel activator, NS1619, on rat cerebral artery smooth muscle.

1. We have investigated the actions of NS1619, a putative activator of large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BKCa) by use of the patch-clamp technique on smooth muscle cells enzymatically isolated from the rat basilar artery. 2. Using whole cell current-clamp to measure membrane potential, addition of 30 microM NS1619 produced cellular hyperpolarization, moving the membrane potential towards the calculated equilibrium potential for potassium. This hyperpolarization was rapidly reversed by IbTX (100 nM), a selective inhibitor of BKCa. 3. In whole cell recordings made from cells voltage-clamped at 0 mV using the perforated-patch technique, addition of NS1619 (10-30 microM) activated an outward current, which reversed following washout of NS1619. 4. This outward current was unaffected by application of either glibenclamide (5 microM), an inhibitor of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, or apamin (100 nM), an inhibitor of small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels. However, this current was almost completely abolished by iberiotoxin (IbTX; 50-100nM). 5. Depolarizing voltage steps activated small outward currents from cells held at -15 mV. Application of NS1619 (10-30 microM) increased the size of these currents, producing a shift to the left of the current-voltage (I-V) relationship. These currents were largely inhibited by IbTX (100 nM). 6. Measurements of the unitary amplitude of the single channels activated by NS1619 which could be resolved in whole cell recordings yielded a value of 5.6 +/- 0.14 pA at 0 mV. 7. NS1619 (10-30 microM) directly activated single channels contained in excised inside-out and outside-out membrane patches. In both configurations NS1619 (10-30 microM) rapidly increased the open probability of a large conductance calcium-dependent channel. The activation produced by NS1619 was calcium-dependent and inhibited by external IbTX (100 nM). The unitary current amplitude was unaffected by NS1619. 8. By use of conventional whole cell recording methods and conditions that suppressed BKCa openings, outward potassium currents were activated by depolarizing potentials positive to -35 mV from a holding potential of -65 mV. NS1619 (10-30 microM) inhibited this current in a concentration-dependent manner. This inhibition was reversed following washout of NS1619, recovering to 60-90% of control values within 2 min. 9. Ba2+ currents, measured by conventional whole cell recording, were activated by depolarizing voltage steps from negative holding potentials. NS1619 (1-30 microM) inhibited the evoked current in a concentration-dependent manner, yielding an IC50 value of 7 microM with a Hill coefficient approaching unity. This inhibition was reversible, with the currents recovering to 65-100% of control values after washout of NS1619 for 2 min. 10. NS1619 (0.3-100 microM) induced concentration-dependent relaxation of basilar artery segments contracted with histamine/5-HT (IC50 = 12.5 +/- 2.0 microM; n = 4). This relaxation curve was shifted to the right, but not abolished, when the tissue was treated with a blocker of BKCa channels (IbTX; 100nM). Additionally, NS1619 produced concentration-dependent relaxation of basilar artery contracted with a depolarizing, isotonic salt solution containing 80 mM K+. 11. Thus NS1619 produces hyperpolarization of basilar artery myocytes through direct activation of BKCa and also directly inhibits Ca2+ currents and voltage-activated K+ channels. We discuss the implications of these results for its vasorelaxant actions.     

Characterization of the triphenyltin-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ of mouse thymocytes: comparison with the action of A23187.

The properties of triphenyltin (TPT) in increasing intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) of thymocytes was studied, in comparison with those of A23187, by the use of fluorescent dyes to monitor membrane potential and [Ca2+]i. Both 1 microM TPT and 30 nM A23187 increased the [Ca2+]i associated with the hyperpolarization mediated by Ca(2+)-dependent K+ conductance. The time course for the TPT-induced increase in the [Ca2+]i was much slower than that of A23187. When the external Ca2+ ([Ca2+]o) was removed, TPT produced a slight, but persistent, increase in the [Ca2+]i while A23187 caused only a transient increase in the [Ca2+]i. Reintroduction of Ca2+ to the external solution produced an increase in [Ca2+]i in both cases. Therefore, these results suggested that the increase in the [Ca2+]i of thymocytes induced by TPT and A23187 was dependent on the presence of [Ca2+]o and an intracellular Ca store. The potency of TPT in increasing the [Ca2+]i was greater than those of diphenyltin and monophenyltin, suggesting an involvement of the lipophilic property of organotins in increasing [Ca2+]i. The TPT-induced increase in the [Ca2+]i may be partly responsible for the toxicity of TPT on organs and/or organ systems.     

Effect of KC399, a newly synthesized K+ channel opener, on acetylcholine-induced electrical and mechanical activities in rabbit tracheal smooth muscle.

1. Effects of KC399, an opener of ATP-sensitive K+ channels were investigated on membrane potential, isometric force and intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) mobilization induced by acetylcholine (ACh) in smooth muscle from the rabbit trachea. 2. In these smooth muscle cells, ACh (0.1 and 1 microM) depolarized the membrane in a concentration-dependent manner, KC399 (1-100 nM) hyperpolarized the membrane whether in the presence or absence of ACh. When the concentration of ACh was increased, the absolute values of the membrane potential induced by the maximum concentration of KC399 were less negative. 3. ACh (0.1 to 10 microM) concentration-dependently produced a phasic, followed by a tonic increase in both [Ca2+]i and force. KC399 (above 3 nM) lowered the resting [Ca2+]i and attenuated the ACh-induced phasic and tonic increases in [Ca2+]i and force, in a concentration-dependent manner. The magnitude of the inhibition was greater for the ACh-induced tonic responses than for the phasic ones. Nicardipine (0.3 microM), a blocker of the L-type Ca2+ channel, attenuated the ACh-induced tonic, but not phasic, increases in [Ca2+]i and force. KC399 further attenuated the ACh-induced tonic responses in the presence of nicardipine. 4. In beta-escin-skinned strips, Ca2+ (0.3-10 microM) produced a contraction in a concentration-dependent manner. KC399 (0.1 microM) had no effect on the Ca(2+)-force relationship in the presence or absence of ATP with GTP. However, at a very high concentration (1 microM), this agent slightly shifted the relationship to the right and attenuated the maximum Ca(2+)-induced contraction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of a newly synthesized K+ channel opener, Y-26763, on noradrenaline-induced Ca2+ mobilization in smooth muscle of the rabbit mesenteric artery.

1. The mechanisms underlying the vasodilatation induced by (-)-(3S,4R)-4-(N-acetyl-N-hydroxyamino)-6-cyano-3,4-dihydro-2, 2-dimethyl-2H-1-benzopyran-3-ol (Y-26763) were investigated by measuring membrane potential, intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and isometric force in smooth muscle cells of the rabbit mesenteric artery. 2. Y-26763 (0.03-1 microM) concentration-dependently hyperpolarized the membrane and glibenclamide (1-10 microM) inhibited this hyperpolarization. Noradrenaline (NA, 10 microM) depolarized the membrane and generated spike potentials. Y-26763 (1 microM) inhibited these NA-induced electrical responses. 3. In thin smooth muscle strips in 2.6 mM Ca2+ containing (Krebs) solution, 10 microM NA produced a large phasic, followed by a small tonic increase in [Ca2+]i and force with associated oscillations. In Ca(2+)-free solution (containing 2 mM EGTA), NA produced only phasic increases in [Ca2+]i and force. In ryanodine-treated strips, NA could not produce the phasic increases in [Ca2+]i and force even in the presence of 2.6 mM Ca2+, suggesting that ryanodine functionally removes the NA-sensitive intracellular storage sites. 4. Nicardipine (1 microM) partly inhibited the NA-induced tonic increases in [Ca2+]i and force but had no effect on either the resting [Ca2+]i or the NA-activated phasic increases in [Ca2+]i and force. By contrast, Y-26763 (10 microM) lowered the resting [Ca2+]i and also inhibited both the phasic and the tonic increases in [Ca2+]i and force induced by NA. All these actions of Y-26763 were inhibited by glibenclamide (10 microM). 5. In ryanodine-treated strips, nicardipine partly, but Y-26763 completely inhibited the NA-induced increases in [Ca2+]i, suggesting that Y-26763 inhibits both the nicardipine-sensitive and -insensitive Ca2+ influxes activated by NA. Y-26763 attenuated the phasic increase in [Ca2+]i and force in a Ca(2+)-free solution containing 5.9 mM K+, but not in one containing 50 mM K+, suggesting that Y-26763 inhibits NA-induced Ca2+ release, probably as a result of its membrane hyperpolarizing action.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Increased free intrasynaptosomal Ca2+ by neurotoxic organometals: distinctive mechanisms

Effects of several alkylmetals on free intrasynaptosomal Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i, were studied in vitro using the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fura-2. Neurotoxic alkylmetals methylmercury (Met-Hg), triethyllead (TEL), triethyltin (TET), and trimethyltin (TMT) (at 2.5-30 microM) increased [Ca2+]i to different degrees. Met-Hg was the most potent, elevating [Ca2+]i 100-800 nM, dose dependently and significantly more than high K+ (150 nM) or veratridine (350 nM). The effect of Met-Hg could not be inhibited with a Ca2+ channel blocker, verapamil, nor with a Na+ channel blocker, tetrodotoxin. Inhibition of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in situ with rotenone + oligomycin decreased the potency of Met-Hg to elevate [Ca2+]i but did not change the resting [Ca2+]i. Met-Hg also slightly decreased synaptosomal ATP. TEL and TET elevated [Ca2+]i by 100-200 nM. The effect of TEL, but not that of TET, could be blocked with verapamil (36%) and veratridine (67%). TEL was less efficient in the presence of ouabain. Neither TEL nor TET had significant mitochondrial effects in situ contributing to [Ca2+]i. TMT increased [Ca2+]i less than TET while dimethyltin and methyltin were inactive. These results indicate that neurotoxic derivatives of alkylmetals studied increase [Ca2+]i. This occurs mainly either by nonspecific increase (Met-Hg, TET) of Ca2+ leakage through the plasma membrane and/or specific interference with the mechanisms regulating Ca2+ fluxes through the plasma membrane (TEL).     

Relaxant actions of isoprenaline on guinea-pig isolated tracheal smooth muscle.

1. The effects of isoprenaline on membrane potential and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in guinea-pig isolated tracheal muscle were studied by use of intracellular micro-electrodes and fura-2 signals respectively. Measurements of membrane potential were carried out in the presence of spontaneously-generated muscle tone, whereas fura-2 signals were measured during contraction produced by exogenous prostaglandin E2 (100 nM). The potency of isoprenaline in causing relaxation was the same in these two different situations. 2. Isoprenaline (0.01 microM) produced relaxation accompanied by 5 mV hyperpolarization. A combination of tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10 mM) and verapamil (3 microM) did not alter the effects of isoprenaline. Removal of external K+ did not increase the degree of hyperpolarization produced by isoprenaline. 3. In the presence of TEA (10 mM) and verapamil (3 microM), isoprenaline (0.03-1 microM) reduced [Ca2+]i concentration-dependently. A similar degree of inhibition was observed when isoprenaline was applied during the maintained contraction induced by prostaglandin E2 and against the contraction evoked by the addition of Ca2+ to tissues bathed in a Ca(2+)-free medium and pretreated with both isoprenaline and prostaglandin E2. 4. It is concluded that activation of TEA-sensitive Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels does not play a significant role in isoprenaline-induced relaxation. We propose that, in the guinea-pig tracheal muscle, isoprenaline may produce relaxation mainly by inhibiting a receptor-operated pathway for Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane which is normally activated by prostaglandins.     

Two types of cation channel activated by stimulation of muscarinic receptors in guinea-pig urinary bladder smooth muscle

The present study, aiming to elucidate ion channel mechanisms underlying muscarinic receptor-induced depolarization, has characterized membrane currents induced by carbachol in single guinea-pig urinary bladder myocytes. Application of carbachol to cells that were voltage-clamped at -50 mV produced an atropine-sensitive, biphasic inward current consisting of an initial peak followed by a smaller sustained phase. Replacing the extracellular Na+ and intracellular Cl(-) with impermeable tris+ and glutamate(-), respectively, demonstrated that the biphasic current is entirely composed of cation currents. Its initial peak phase was abolished by buffering intracellular Ca2+ to a constant level of 100 nM or depleting intracellular Ca2+ stores, and it was mimicked by the Ca2+ releaser caffeine. Ca2+ entry evoked by voltage steps in the sustained phase induced no noticeable change, indicating that this phase of cation current is insensitive to a rise of [Ca2+]i. These results demonstrate that muscarinic receptor stimulation invokes the openings of two types of cation channel, a Ca2+-activated and a receptor-operated type; the former channels are gated by a rise in [Ca2+]i upon intracellular Ca2+ release, and the latter are gated through other muscarinic receptor-coupled signal transduction mechanisms.     

The amiodarone derivative 2-methyl-3-(3,5-diiodo-4-carboxymethoxybenzyl)benzofuran (KB130015) opens large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels and relaxes vascular smooth muscle

2-methyl-3-(3,5-diiodo-4-carboxymethoxybenzyl)benzofuran (KB130015) has been developed to retain the antiarrhythmic properties of the parent molecule amiodarone but to eliminate its undesired side effects. In patch-clamp experiments, KB130015 activated large-conductance, Ca2+-activated BK(Ca) channels formed by hSlo1 (alpha) subunits in HEK 293 cells. Channels were reversibly activated by shifting the open-probability/voltage (P(o)/V) relationship by about -60 mV in 3 muM intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]in). No effect on the single-channel conductance was observed. KB130015-mediated activation of BK(Ca) channels was half-maximal at 20 microM with a Hill coefficient of 2.8. BK(Ca) activation by KB130015 did not require the presence of Ca2+ and still occurred with saturating (100 microM) [Ca2+]in. Effects of the prototypic BK(Ca) activator NS1619 (1,3-dihydro-1-[2-hydroxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-benzimidazol-2-one) and those of KB130015 were not additive suggesting that both activators may at least partially share a common mechanism of action. KB130015-mediated activation was observed also for BK(Ca) channels from insects and for human BK(Ca) channels with already profoundly left-shifted voltage-dependence. In contrast, human intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated channels were inhibited by KB130015. Using segments of porcine pulmonary arteries, KB130015 induced endothelium-independent vasorelaxation, half-maximal at 43 microM KB130015. Relaxation was inhibited by 1 mM tetraethylammonium, suggesting that KB130015 can activate vascular smooth muscle type BK(Ca) channels under physiological conditions. Interestingly, the shift in the P(o)/V relationship was considerably stronger (-90 mV in 3 microM [Ca2+]in) for BK(Ca) channels containing Slo-beta1 subunits. Thus, KB130015 belongs to a novel class of BK(Ca) channel openers that exert an effect depending on the subunit composition of the channel complex.     

Role of ion conductance changes and of the sodium-pump in adrenaline-induced hyperpolarization of rat diaphragm muscle fibres.

The ionic mechanism of membrane hyperpolarization induced by adrenaline in rat diaphragm muscle fibres was studied. Removal of the extracellular K+ ([K+]o) from Krebs-Ringer solution initially increased the resting membrane potential and then caused an increase in the intracellular Na+ activity ([Na+]i) and a decrease in the intracellular K+ activity ([K+]i). All the changes were maintained for more than 3 h. Application of ouabain (0.1 mM) or lowering the temperature rapidly reduced the resting potential by about 10 mV in the K+-free solution. It then produced further progressive decreases in resting potential and in [K+]i and a progressive increase in [Na+]i. These observations indicate that an electrogenic Na-pump operates in the K+-free solution. Removal of most of the Cl- in the K+-free solution did not affect the resting potential or the magnitude of the initial decrease produced by ouabain, despite an increased input resistance; this result implies a passive distribution of Cl-. Adrenaline (30-60 microM) either added to the bathing solution or applied to the membrane by ionophoresis produced a hyperpolarization (3-10 mV: adrenaline hyperpolarization), the amplitude of which was decreased with a rise in [K+]o and increased with a reduction in [K+]o, but unaffected by the removal of Cl-. Adrenaline produced an increase in input resistance, the relative magnitude (17-18%) of which was constant whether external K+ or Cl- was removed. In contrast, a conditioning membrane hyperpolarization hardly affected the resistance. Ouabain (0.1 mM) or low temperature (8-10 degrees C) abolished both the hyperpolarization and the increased input resistance induced by adrenaline. The [K+]i, [Na+]i and the peak of the action potential remained unchanged after a 20 min exposure to adrenaline (30 microM). The hyperpolarization induced by the replacement of all Na+ with Tris (Tris-hyperpolarization) in the K+-free solution was depressed by 39% during the early period (4-31 min) of exposure to adrenaline (30 microM), while it was enhanced by 26% during the later period (80-130 min). The initial depression suggested a decrease in the ratio of the membrane permeability for Na+ (PNa) to that for K+ (PK). These results suggest that the adrenaline hyperpolarization is generated largely by a decrease in PNa/PK, which is associated with the activity of the Na-pump.     

Modulation of agonist-induced calcium mobilisation in bovine aortic endothelial cells by phorbol myristate acetate and cyclic AMP but not cyclic GMP.

1. In bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC), thrombin (1 mu ml-1), bradykinin (1-10 nM) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (0.3 microM-100 microM) each induced a biphasic elevation of cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i), consisting of an initial transient followed by a sustained plateau phase. 2. Pretreatment of BAEC with 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 100 nM) reduced the magnitude of the initial transient elevation of [Ca2+]i, induced by thrombin (1 mu ml-1), low concentrations of bradykinin (1 nM) or ATP (0.3 microM, 3 microM), but not by higher concentrations of the latter two agonists. Addition of PMA (100 nM) during the plateau phase of the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by thrombin (1 mu ml-1), bradykinin (10 nM) or ATP (30 microM) resulted in a fall in [Ca2+]i. 3. The inhibitory effects of PMA (100 nM) were inhibited by staurosporine (100 nM) but not mimicked by the inactive phorbol ester, 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4 alpha-PDD; 100 nM). Furthermore, staurosporine (100 nM) increased [Ca2+]i when added during the plateau phase of the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by thrombin or bradykinin. In contrast, staurosporine (100 nM) reduced [Ca2+]i when added during the plateau phase of the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by ATP (30 microM). 4. Pretreatment with forskolin (10 microM) had no effect on the magnitude of the initial transient elevation of [Ca2+]i induced by thrombin (1 mu ml-1), bradykinin (1 nM and 10 nM) or ATP (30 microM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Multiple effects of ryanodine on intracellular free Ca2+ in smooth muscle cells from bovine and porcine coronary artery: modulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum function.

1. The effects of ryanodine and caffeine on intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were studied by use of fura-2 microfluorometry in single smooth muscle cells freshly dispersed from bovine and porcine coronary artery. 2. Bovine and porcine cells demonstrated similar sensitivities to 10 min of exposure to ryanodine in physiological salt solution (PSS), as determined by comparable dose-dependent decreases in the subsequent [Ca2+]i transient induced by 5 mM caffeine. 3. Ryanodine (10 microM) caused a significant increase in [Ca2+]i to a plateau level 27 +/- 3% and 38 +/- 4% above baseline [Ca2+]i (baseline [Ca2+]i = [Ca2+]i at 0 min) in porcine and bovine cells, respectively, when bathed in PSS. In bovine cells the time required to reach 1/2 the plateau level was only 3 min versus 6 min for porcine cells. 4. The ryanodine-induced plateau increase in [Ca2+]i was 35 +/- 5% above baseline for bovine cells bathed in 0 Ca PSS (PSS including 10 microM EGTA with no added Ca2+), but only 7 +/- 3% above baseline in porcine cells during 10 min exposure to 10 microM ryanodine. In bovine cells [Ca2+]i showed proportional increases when extracellular Ca2+ was increased from the normal 2 mM Ca2+ PSS to 5 and 10 mM. 5. Cells pretreated with caffeine in 0 Ca PSS, which depleted the caffeine-sensitive sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ store, showed no increase in [Ca2+]i when challenged with 10 microM ryanodine. The ryanodine-associated increase in [Ca2+]i, which was sustained in 0 Ca PSS during the 10 min ryanodine exposure in cells not pretreated with caffeine, suggests that ryanodine releases Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, but also inhibits Ca2+ efflux.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Quisqualate and carbachol-induced increases in intrasynaptosomal free calcium are mediated by different products of phospholipid hydrolysis

The mechanisms by which quisqualate and carbachol increase intrasynaptosomal free calcium ([Ca2+]i) were studied in rat cortical synaptosomes. Quisqualate (0.01-100 microM) and carbachol (100-1000 microM) increased [Ca2+]i in Fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester (Fura-2 AM)-loaded synaptosomes. The resting level of [Ca2+]i was 118 nM. The maximum increase (55%) was produced by 10 microM quisqualate which had an EC50 of 0.2 microM. The maximum increase (28%) elicited by carbachol occurred at 1000 microM and the EC50 was 30 microM. The stimulatory effects of quisqualate on [Ca2+]i were blocked by heparin (100 I.U.) but not by staurosporine (1 microM), nifedipine (1 microM) or omega-conotoxin fraction GVIA (omega-CgTx) (0.5 microM). On the other hand, the effects of carbachol on [Ca2+]i were abolished by staurosporine, nifedipine or omega-CgTx but not by heparin. Carbachol (100 microM) also significantly increased 45Ca accumulation into either resting or K+ (30 mM)-depolarised synaptosomes and these effects were inhibited by staurosporine and nifedipine. Quisqualate (10 microM) had no effect on 45Ca accumulation under resting or depolarised conditions. When quisqualate and carbachol were used in combination, there were apparently additive effects on [Ca2+]i but not on 45Ca accumulation. It is concluded that carbachol increases [Ca2+]i by facilitating Ca2+ entry through L-type Ca2+ channels via a 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG)-protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent pathway while quisqualate mobilizes Ca2+ from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive stores.     

Kupffer cells contain voltage-dependent calcium channels.

Kupffer cells, the resident hepatic macrophages, are activated by calcium, but conclusive evidence that they contain voltage-dependent calcium channels has not been presented previously. In this study, the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) of cultured Kupffer cells was measured with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fura-2. Partial replacement of extracellular Na+ by K+ caused an increase in [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner (half-maximal effect at 81 mM K+), presumably due to membrane depolarization. At 65 mM K+, where there were minimal changes in [Ca2+]i, addition of the dihydropyridine-type calcium channel agonist BAY K 8644 (1 microM) caused a large increase in [Ca2+]i. Overall, the effect of BAY K 8644 (1 microM) was to shift the concentration-response curve for K+ to the left (half-maximal effect at 61 mM K+). Under depolarizing conditions (65 mM K+), BAY K 8644 increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner (half-maximal effect at approximately 400 nM BAY K 8644). Moreover, the dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blocker nitrendipine inhibited the BAY K 8644-induced increase in [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner (half-maximal inhibition with about 25 nM nitrendipine). When extracellular Ca2+ was omitted from the incubation medium, the increases in [Ca2+]i due to BAY K 8644 were prevented completely. In addition, an intracellular Ca2+ antagonist, 8-(N,N-diethylamino)-octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride (200 microM), did not inhibit the BAY K 8644-sensitive, voltage-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i. Thus, these data collectively indicate that BAY K 8644 causes a transmembrane Ca2+ influx in Kupffer cells in a voltage-dependent manner, providing the first direct evidence that Kupffer cells contain L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.